Rohit Sharma Tops ICC ODI Rankings at 38

A Milestone Achievement for the Indian Veteran

In a remarkable moment for Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma etched his name in the record books by becoming the oldest Indian player to reach the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings. At 38 years and 182 days, the seasoned opener climbed two places to secure the top position, surpassing the young Indian captain Shubman Gill, who previously held the crown.

Stellar Performance Against Australia

Rohit’s resurgence to the top of the rankings was driven by his outstanding form during the recently concluded ODI series against Australia. Displaying vintage brilliance, he emerged as the leading run-scorer across the three-match series and bagged the ‘Player of the Series’ award. Scoring 202 runs in three innings at an impressive average of 101, Rohit once again proved why he remains one of the finest ODI batters of his generation. Meanwhile, Gill struggled to make an impact, managing only 43 runs in the entire series.

The Updated Rankings Table

According to the latest ICC update, Rohit now sits comfortably at the top with 781 rating points, while Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran has moved into second place with 764 points. Shubman Gill, after a disappointing run, has slipped to third position. Virat Kohli, who rediscovered his rhythm with an unbeaten 74 in the third ODI, holds the sixth spot with 725 points, reaffirming his consistency on the global stage. Additionally, Shreyas Iyer climbed to ninth place, despite not batting in the final match of the series.

Silence Over Retirement Speculations

Rohit’s triumph comes amid increasing speculation about his ODI future, following the captaincy handover to Shubman Gill just before the Australian series. Many believed that the veteran might soon call time on his ODI career. However, his recent performances tell a different story — one of determination, class, and legacy.

A Farewell Hint From the Hitman

Rohit dazzled Australian crowds with two memorable innings in Adelaide and Sydney, showcasing his trademark timing and power. Yet, in his post-series remarks, he subtly hinted that this might have been his last ODI tour of Australia. “Always love coming here and playing here. Fond memories of 2008. I’m not sure if we’ll be coming back to Australia, but we enjoy our cricket no matter what accolades we achieve,” Rohit expressed with emotion.

A Legendary Chapter Continues

Rohit Sharma’s rise to the pinnacle of the ICC ODI rankings at 38 is not just a statistical achievement — it is a testament to longevity, skill, and passion. As he continues to inspire the next generation, Indian cricket celebrates not only a champion but a leader whose influence goes far beyond the boundary ropes.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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